Progress on water labouring facilities at Mayo University Hospital

A NEW project proposal has been formally submitted to address long-standing challenges preventing the introduction of water labouring facilities at Mayo University Hospital.

Confirmation from management at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) has been received by Minister of State Alan Dillon who said he had been contacted by a number of constituents who expressed their concerns over the absence of water immersion options during labour at MUH.

While praising the care received through the midwives clinic, they have highlighted the well-established benefits of labouring in water, including reduced pain, increased maternal comfort, and lower rates of medical intervention, and called for equitable access to this option for women in Mayo.

Minister Dillon raised the issue with the HSE, citing the National Maternity Strategy’s emphasis on normalising labour and expanding maternal choice. He referenced successful models such as the Danu Suite in Limerick, which has offered water labouring facilities since 2018.

“Labour and birth are deeply personal and transformative experiences,” Minister Dillon said. “It is not unreasonable to expect that women in Mayo should have access to the same non-medicalised pain relief options available elsewhere in the country.

“Labouring in water is a safe, cost-effective, and empowering choice that should be accessible to all.”

In her response, MUH manager Catherine Donohoe acknowledged previous efforts to procure a water immersion bath, which were hindered by structural and safety limitations. These included inadequate floor support, ceiling hoist constraints, and spatial challenges that posed risks to emergency care delivery.

The projected cost of necessary structural works exceeded €100,000, and funding was unavailable at the time.

However, the hospital has now submitted a new project proposal to address these issues, with the aim of identifying a safe and feasible solution.

Said Minister Dillon: “I welcome this renewed commitment from MUH and urge the HSE to prioritise this initiative in future development plans. The women and mothers of Mayo deserve a wider choice in how they experience childbirth, one that respects their dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing.”